Who’s Number One 31: Pena vs Griffith

Griffith vs Pena – Heavyweight Title Showdown

In the main event, Luke Griffith claimed the vacant heavyweight championship by submitting Felipe Pena with a precise Rear Naked Choke. Griffith initiated the action with a well-timed single leg takedown, transitioning seamlessly into a guillotine attempt. As Pena defended, Griffith capitalized on the opening to take the back, locking in the choke and forcing the tap in under four minutes. This victory not only secured the title for Griffith but also avenged his two previous submission losses to Pena. A brief post-match controversy emerged regarding the duration of the choke after the tap; Griffith clarified that he maintained the hold until the referee’s intervention, emphasizing the importance of clear stoppage in a title bout.

Crevar vs Boscher – Women’s Featherweight Championship

In the co-main event, Helena Crevar successfully defended her women’s featherweight title against Julia Boscher. Crevar dictated the pace with relentless leg entanglement attacks, repeatedly threatening with Heel Hook and straight footlock attempts. Demonstrating technical adaptability, she transitioned to an Aoki Lock at 5:08, securing the submission after Boscher’s initial defenses. Following her win, Crevar expressed ambitions to both defend her featherweight crown and challenge for the 155 lb division title.

Tactical Battles and Submission Displays

The main card featured several compelling matchups. In a light heavyweight contest, Faris Benlamkadem earned a decision victory over Alexandre Ribeiro, showcasing calculated positional exchanges and strategic grip fighting. In the women’s heavyweight division, Gabi Pessanha controlled the tempo against Paige Ivette Clymer, securing a decision win through dominant positional play. At welterweight, Chris Wojcik outmaneuvered Oliver Taza to claim a decision victory, utilizing effective guard passing and top pressure.

A standout submission came from Felipe Costa, who finished Abraham La Montagne with a technically sound Reverse Triangle in their light heavyweight bout, further elevating the event’s submission tally.

Undercard Submission Highlights

The undercard delivered a series of decisive submission victories. Nick Fritz submitted Sean Magnus in a middleweight contest, though the specific finishing technique was not detailed. In featherweight action, Justin Grayson Henley secured a win over Michael Bannach via Footlock, demonstrating sharp lower limb control. In the women’s heavyweight undercard, Joslyn Molina impressed with a clinical Armbar submission against Katie Bochenek.

Overall, Who’s Number One 31: Pena vs Griffith showcased world-class no-gi grappling, decisive submissions, and compelling championship narratives across multiple weight classes.